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Snack 21: Finding a Mentor That Gets You (Without the Awkward Ask)

Workday Playdate

Release Date: 07/07/2025

304: How to Actually Enjoy Networking (Yes, It’s Possible) show art 304: How to Actually Enjoy Networking (Yes, It’s Possible)

Workday Playdate

In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin shares her five-step play process that flips networking from “ugh” to actually fun. If the thought of walking into a room full of strangers makes you want to hide by the snack table, this is your permission slip to try networking a whole new way. Instead of dreading it, Erin shows you how to treat networking like an improv game: playful, curiosity-driven, and connection-first. With tips that blend practical strategy and improv magic, you’ll learn to leave a lasting impression without feeling salesy, stiff, or stuck in small talk. Inside...

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In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin gets real about one of the toughest career skills no one really teaches you: managing up with confidence. Because let’s be honest, trying to figure out what your boss actually wants can feel like decoding emoji hieroglyphics at 11 PM. Enter Melody Wilding: therapist-turned-career-coach, emotions researcher, and author of Managing Up. Named one of Insider’s “most innovative career coaches,” Melody is here to help you stop overthinking every Slack message and start building a relationship with your boss that’s rooted in clarity, confidence,...

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Workday Playdate

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info_outline 300: You Found a Mentor - Now Here’s How to Keep the Relationship Thriving show art 300: You Found a Mentor - Now Here’s How to Keep the Relationship Thriving

Workday Playdate

In this episode of Workday Playdate, Erin tackles one of the trickiest parts of professional growth: keeping your mentor relationship alive and thriving. Finding a mentor is like landing the perfect avocado - rare, precious, and you don’t want it to spoil. This episode is packed with improv-inspired strategies to help you nurture that connection, create a two-way relationship, and turn “one coffee chat” into long-term mentorship magic. Whether you’re a new grad navigating your first job, a career changer looking for guidance, or a freshly promoted manager wondering how to level up,...

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Workday Playdate

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In today’s snack-sized dose of Workday Playdate, Erin’s serving up a spicy truth: no amount of kombucha or karaoke can fix what’s really broken when it comes to employee engagement. The Problem: Only 33% of U.S. employees are engaged at work. And, spoiler alert: swag won’t save us. Connection is the missing link, not cold brew on tap. The Improv Hack to Try: The Scene Partner Swap Flip the script. Instead of waiting for someone else to boost morale, ask: If I were my boss or teammate… how would I help ME feel more engaged? Then act from that mindset for one week....

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In today’s snack, Erin’s busting the myth that a mentor is just going to magically appear and fix everything.

The Problem:

We’ve all heard it—“You need a mentor!” But asking for one feels like proposing after two dates. We freeze, wait, and convince ourselves no one has time for us.

The Improv Hack to Try: The Spotlight Flip

Instead of waiting for someone to spotlight you, flip the light on THEM. Next time you meet someone you admire, ask:

"I love how you [specific thing]. If you were giving a TED Talk to your younger self, what would it be about?"

No pressure, just pure curiosity.

Why it works: In improv, making others look good builds trust. Spotlighting someone makes them more likely to engage with you, so mentorship might follow naturally.

Bonus Tip: Mentorship isn’t always formal. Keep a list of “unofficial mentors” to learn from passively.

Wednesday Tease: Catch Episode 298 this Wednesday: Stop Waiting for a Mentor to Magically Appear—Start Here Instead. Don’t miss it!

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No, You Hang Up First (Let’s Keep Connecting)

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